The Syrian-Chinese joint committee discusses strengthening cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, energy and reconstruction

The Syrian-Chinese Joint Committee for Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation discussed, in the work of its fifth session, which was held virtually today, ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially trade, investment, finance, energy, reconstruction, development aid and health.

The Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Dr. Muhammad Samer Al-Khalil, who chaired the committee on the Syrian side, stated that international cooperation is the way to address all the problems and challenges that impede the possibility of developing societies and achieving welfare and prosperity for peoples, noting that expanding joint cooperation between Syria and China is a goal for the leadership of both countries, especially as it comes as a translation of President Bashar al-Assad’s approach of heading east and the approach of the Belt and Road Initiative announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Minister Al-Khalil invited companies and investors from China to work and invest in Syria and benefit from Investment Law No. 18 of 2021, especially that the Chinese side possesses the experience and competence necessary to invest in the available opportunities, which is an important part of the projects that come in the context of implementing the content of the memorandum of understanding for joint cooperation signed on 12-1-2022 within the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative.

Vice Minister of Commerce Qian Keming, who chaired the session on the Chinese side, affirmed his country’s support for the reconstruction and recovery of the Syrian economy through bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of development, investment, energy, transportation and human capital, as well as working to improve trade and expand Syrian exports to China, pointing to his country’s support for Syria’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

For his part, Chairman of the Planning and International Cooperation Commission, Fadi Salti Al-Khalil, praised the historical relations linking the two countries, which have proven their strength and rootedness throughout history, pointing out that the Syrian-Chinese joint committee is an important tool for activating and strengthening bilateral work in all fields.

For his part, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Damascus, Feng Biao, stated that the signing of the memorandum of understanding within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative between the two countries is a solid basis for further practical steps of cooperation between the two countries.

The session was attended by the Syrian side, which was held via video conference technology, by Deputy Minister of Economy for Economic Development and International Relations Rania Ahmed and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Oil and Mineral Resources, Health and the Central Bank of Syria.

Last January, Syria and China signed a memorandum of understanding within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative and the Maritime Silk Road in the twenty-first century, according to which Syria joins the initiative, which helps open broad horizons of cooperation with China and a number of partner countries in several areas, including the exchange of goods, technology, capital as well as the activation of movement of individuals in addition to cultural exchange.